4.0
Pros: Quick. Cons: Delay by 15 mins is more acceptable. Tips: Get ready water and snack.
Cheap train tickets from Syracuse to Rensselaer
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Trip Summary
9 trains operate daily from Syracuse to Rensselaer. The train trip from Syracuse to Rensselaer is usually about 4 hours and 18 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 125 mi (201 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 36m |
| Lowest price | $28.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 4 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Syracuse to Rensselaer
(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
4.7
Which train should you take from Syracuse to Rensselaer?
There are 4 train lines with service from Syracuse to Rensselaer. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 6h 37m | $57.07 |
| Amtrak Empire Service | 2 | 2h 39m | $33.51 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 3h 11m | $52.55 |
| Amtrak Maple Leaf | 1 | 3h 12m | $35.86 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Syracuse to Rensselaer every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.
The Amtrak Empire Service is a rail line spanning the Empire Corridor, a rail route through New York state from New York City to Niagara Falls. Several Amtrak passenger trains service this route, providing travelers with multiple options when commuting between cities in New York State. The trains themselves feature free internet, cafe service with snacks, beverages, and meals, and comfortable seats to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Hudson River Valley and Upstate New York.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir in Syracuse and arrives at Albany-Rensselaer Train Station in Rensselaer. The route takes about 3 hours and 11 minutes and ticket prices start at $33.
The Amtrak Maple Leaf is an international rail line that runs from New York City to Toronto. It stops at some popular locations on its way, including Niagara Falls and Albany. Onboard WiFi and a cafe car make travel on the Maple Leaf comfortable and convenient. A trip from Syracuse to Rensselaer takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Syracuse to Rensselaer
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Syracuse to Rensselaer. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Syracuse and Rensselaer is approximately 125 miles, or 201 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 36 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Syracuse to Rensselaer. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Syracuse at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Rensselaer. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Rensselaer to Syracuse.
City Information
Syracuse
Syracuse might not be the top destination for tourists in New York, but it does have plenty of quirky and fun destinations for all age groups. Upon your first arrival to the city, don’t miss out on the chance to take a stroll around the historic Armory Square, considered to be the top destination by locals. The square also features plenty of restaurants and nightclubs if you are looking for the quarter with the best nightlife in town. If you want to mingle with a good crowd for some fun, the Carrier Dome, which is located within the campus of Syracuse University, will offer the adrenaline rush you need. For those seeking a more culturally-inclined activity, head towards the Everson Museum of Art and marvel at the most significant collection of American ceramics in the country.
Syracuse features a vibrant and diverse food scene. If you enjoy brunch, Modern Malt, a local favorite, is the place to be. And for some amazing authentic Cuban dishes, head to Esquina Habanera.
The busiest bus and train station in the city is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center. From there you can catch an Amtrak train or a bus run by Greyhound, New York Trailways, OurBus or Jefferson Lines to various cities, including New York, Boston, and Albany. Syracuse is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the principal airport in the city, and it is located five miles northwest of downtown.
Rensselaer
Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.
Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.
The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Syracuse?
Image credit: Kim
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir
Opened in 1998, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (commonly referred to as the RTC) serves as a multi-service stop for travel throughout Central New York. The Transportation Center serves several Amtrak train lines, including the Empire Service, the Maple Leaf, and the Lake Shore Limited, as well as Greyhound and Trailways buses. As the central ground travel hub in Syracuse, the station provides transport for roughly 153,000 people annually. In addition to providing easy access to local landmarks such as the Destiny USA shopping center and the NBT Bank Stadium, the RTC can also take you further afield to popular destinations such as Niagara Falls, New York City, and Washington, D.C., among other places. At the RTC, you will find a Dunkin' Donuts, as well as a Great States newsstand. The free WiFi and climate-controlled waiting area make it a pleasant place to wait for your bus or train.
All train stations in Syracuse:
Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir
Syracuse Hancock Intl Apt
Where is the train station in Rensselaer?
Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
Rensselaer has one train station.
All train stations in Rensselaer:
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
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